Raiders cut return specialist Josh Cribbs

ALAMEDA -- Return specialist and special teams player Josh Cribbs was the most notable of 10 players cut Sunday by the Raiders.

Cribbs mishandled two kickoffs in a 36-24 exhibition loss to the Chicago Bears, muffing the first before picking it up, with the Raiders getting a break on the second when officials ruled him to be down before the ball was lost.

Returning from offseason knee surgery, Cribbs was unable to show the kind of burst that resulted in eight career returns for touchdowns. Presumably, it was affecting his ability to cover kicks as well, another reason he was added to the roster.

The decision was made easier when Jacoby Ford flashed some of his preinjury form, racing 62 yards with a kickoff after Cribbs appeared to be running in mud on the first two.

As a vested veteran, Cribbs had his contract terminated, and he is free to sign with any team.

In addition, center/guard Alex Parsons thanked the Raiders for the "opportunity to play the game I love'' on his Twitter account. Parsons, who did not play because of injury against Chicago, is likely working out an injury settlement with the team.

Presuming Parsons is no longer on the roster, the Raiders have four more cuts to make to get to the limit of 75 players. Rosters must be at 53 on Saturday, two days after Thursday's preseason finale in Seattle.

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Players who were working with the athletic training staff and not on the practice field were strong safety Tyvon Branch (ribs) and wide receivers Brice Butler (hamstring) and Rod Streater (concussion).